Fil-Canadian women trailblazers honored in Manitoba

From left to right are Hope Anderson, Virginia Gayot, Hanna Pagdato, Hon. Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler, Jordy Wyant, Larissa Pagdato, Andrea Macasaet, and Cheryl Dizon-Reynante./ Photo from Pinays Manitoba/Facebook

A night celebrated in avant-garde fashion spotlights four Filipino Canadian women who have made significant strides in their respective fields and in the community.

Marking another milestone last May 11 at the Viscount Fort Hotel in Winnipeg, nonprofit organization Pinays Manitoba honored the outstanding contributions of Fil-Canadian women to society at this year’s 8th Traiblazers Recognition Awards.

Founded in 2016, Pinays Manitoba is dedicated to supporting and empowering Filipino Canadian women. With founding president Perla Javate at the helm of uplifting communities in Manitoba, this evening of celebrating women empowerment is an annual event. 

Over 50 members of Pinays Manitoba collaborated to host the memorable evening event, which drew more than 250 guests. 

Proudly celebrating four outstanding Fil-Canadian women, Pinays Manitoba’s current president Winnie Navarro said, “They are strong, progressive women; breaking the mold; overcoming barriers; helping to make a difference in people’s lives, opening doors of opportunities for others; breaking glass ceilings.”

Meet the Fil-Canadian women achievers

Virginia Gayot

A community advocate and president of the Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba, she has played a pivotal role in revamping the organization and solidifying community ties. 

An engineer by profession, Gayot is proud of her indigenous roots from the Cordillera region in Northern Philippines. 

Cheryl Dizon-Reynante

As a pioneer in oncology, she is the first Filipino to spearhead the psychological oncology team at Cancer Care Manitoba. 

Overseeing 20 counselors providing social and emotional support to cancer patients across the province, she sticks to her mantra: To help and care for others.

Hope Anderson

Academic leader by heart, the inaugural vice dean of graduate and post-doctoral studies at the Rady Faculty of Health sciences at the University of Manitoba, Anderson is recognized for her contributions to education and science.

Growing up in a non-Filipino community in Regina, Saskatchewan, she and her sisters faced struggles but rose above them.

Andrea Macasaet

A Broadway star known for her role as Anne Boleyn in the International production of “Six: The Musical,” Macasaet clinched a Grammy nomination and the Ensemble Award at the Drama Desk Awards. 

Appearing in “Ma-Buhay Musical” this summer, this broadway actress has also graced the stage for “Rent: The Musical.”

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Furthermore, the night also saw the recognition of young Fil-Canadians making waves in sports with this year’s inauguration of Outstanding Young Pinays of Manitoba program.

Hon. Senator Flordeliz ‘Gigi’ Osler, a former Trailblazer honoree, launched the campaign and awarded Jordy Wyant and sisters Larissa And Hanna Pagdato — Winnipeggers who played for the Philippine Eagles hockey team and competed in UAE.